Texas Measles Outbreak Jumps Border into New Mexico

The Texas Department of State Health and Services (DSHS) has been grappling with a rapidly expanding measles outbreak, with cases nearly doubling in the past two weeks. First reported on February 5 in Gaines County, officials had already anticipated further spread, warning of additional cases due to the disease's highly contagious nature. Unfortunately, their predictions came true. The outbreak, already considered the worst in decades, has now crossed the border into New Mexico. The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) has confirmed three new cases in the last week, bringing their total to eight. These cases meet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s outbreak criteria, stemming from three unrelated cases in Lea County, which borders Gaines County. While the New Mexico outbreak is geographically close to the Texas one, a direct link hasn't been definitively established. Dr. Chad Smelser, NMDOH Deputy State Epidemiologist, stated that they are actively investigating every suspected case and encouraging individuals with measles-like symptoms to seek medical attention. Of the eight infected individuals in New Mexico, six were unvaccinated, including four adults and four minors. Interestingly, two of the adults claim they were vaccinated as children. NMDOH has taken steps to notify potentially exposed individuals and provide preventative guidance, including releasing a list of locations where people may have been exposed during specific times. Lea County is also offering free, no-appointment-needed vaccinations at five public health vaccination clinics over the next two weeks.